Meet Uterome Biomedical: Innovating Diagnosis for the Silent Epidemic, Endometriosis
DTU students Annemette and Helena are taking on a monumental challenge: improving the diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition affecting around 190 million women worldwide. Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose, requiring expensive and time-consuming imaging tools as well as invasive laparoscopy.
This condition affects 10% of women worldwide, but despite its profound impact it is still underdiagnosed and under-researched. Women’s health has historically been underfunded and overlooked, with only 4% of the total global research funding going to research into women’s diseases according to Forbes. In comparison, 2% goes to research into prostate cancer. Their project aims to bridge this gap while providing a solution to a problem millions face daily.
How They’re Doing It
Inspired by personal experiences, the founders are developing a simple diagnostic test using either a vaginal swab or urine sample. This approach could transform the way doctors identify endometriosis—making the process faster, more precise, and more affordable.
Annemette and Helena got their start through the Health Innovators Programme, where they gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to networks within the healthcare sector.
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Join the Health Innovators Program
The Health Innovators Program is a 4-month program targeted at early-stage start-ups and innovation ideas by students & teams who are motivated to develop solutions for better health. The programme is hosted by the Faculty of Health and Medical Science (UCPH) and Copenhagen Health Innovation – a collaboration between University of Copenhagen, University College Copenhagen, the Royal Academy, DTU and the Capital Region. |
Currently operating out of DTU’s laboratories, they are working to identify biomarkers, which are crucial for creating an effective diagnostic test. By collaborating with general practitioners and gynecologists, they ensure their product addresses real-world needs. Alongside lab work, they’re learning the skills of entrepreneurship through pitch competitions, funding applications, and networking.
So far, the project has received DKK 95,000 in grants, which are being used to fund research in collaboration with DTU professors. The team spends their days in the lab working on potential biomarkers, purifying proteins, and preparing for validation studies to ensure the test is accurate and effective.
Their advice to other students? “You don’t need to know everything. Jump into it and learn as you go!”
How the Health Innovators Programme Boosted Their Success
Participating in the Health Innovators Programme gave the team much-needed support to grow their idea. Through workshops and one-on-one mentorship, they learned how to refine their business model, explore funding opportunities, and connect with healthcare professionals to validate their concept.
“Before joining the program, we had already developed a solid business plan and laid the groundwork for our idea, but we weren’t sure how to take it to the next level. The workshops on market validation and pitching were instrumental in refining our approach and driving our progress forward.” The networking opportunities were especially valuable. According to the team, “Connecting with mentors and experts from the healthcare field built on the foundation we had already established and gave us insights that would have taken much longer to uncover on our own.” These connections not only boosted their confidence but also opened doors to potential collaborators and investors.
Ready to Improve Healthcare?
Have a desire to make healthcare better? Join the Health Innovators Programme and turn your ideas into reality. Applications are open now!
